Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Every year, 30–40 young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive ‘resident’ status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love.

Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she’s also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart. Now she’s met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?

“Then again, the small items Sarah had tucked away reminded
her of the journey. They reminded her
that no matter how far she’d wandered off.
She always returned home with another treasure to tuck into her jar.” (p. 58)

Tricia Goyer has taken a little known fact – single men
coming to Montana, staying long enough to establish residency so they can hunt –
and they snag more than wild game – they snag wives as well! That’s not their intent, but the Amish are
pretty keen on establishing family, and large ones at that, so the relationship
aspect of the story comes as no surprise.
What is intriguing about this relationship is the unique ways that Sarah
and Jathan are so perfectly suited for each other, both running from something
and toward God for the answers.

The answers they find both surprise and delight readers, and
I daresay sound awfully familiar to every believer who has come to realize how
intimately they are known by their Heavenly Father. Jathan’s mother puts it this way: “…helping
us all understand that Goad made us all creative in special ways.” (p.
335) To me, that is the treasure of
truth that makes this story special. The
message is real, and relevant, and Tricia weaves it into the fabric of the
story in a variety of unique and memorable ways. Tricia has told yet another great story, and
The Memory Jar begins a new series! So sit back and enjoy the ride!

About the Author:

Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of over thirty books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

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I just wanted to state clearly here on my blog that the books I review are provided to me in exchange for my opinion and thoughts. I am a member of two blog alliances and I work directly with publicists and publishers at their request to review a variety of Christian fiction and non-fiction books. I receive no compensation other than free copies of the books to read, and when a give away is offered, that copy of the book is also provided by the publisher for that exact purpose.

I give my opinions both positively and negatively and will continue to do so as time permits and as I am able. I do this because I love to read and I love to share my thoughts with others who love good books and Christian stories.